Collection

The Soul of the Good Thief (L'âme du bon Larron)

James Tissot

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Following the death of the good (or penitent) thief crucified at Golgotha, his soul is taken up to heaven, fulfilling the promise made by Jesus on the cross; as Tissot notes, he is the very first to “reap the benefits of the Redemption of mankind.” With eyes wide open in wonder, the good thief floats upward, supported by six-winged angels who bear perfume censers. Far below lies the earth, its continents and seas clearly discernible.

Caption

James Tissot (Nantes, France, 1836–1902, Chenecey–Buillon, France). The Soul of the Good Thief (L'âme du bon Larron), 1886–1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm) Sheet: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.314. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

The Soul of the Good Thief (L'âme du bon Larron)

Date

1886–1894

Geography

Place made: France

Medium

Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper

Classification

Watercolor

Dimensions

Image: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm) Sheet: 10 9/16 x 6 15/16 in. (26.8 x 17.6 cm) Frame: 20 x 15 x 1 1/2 in. (50.8 x 38.1 x 3.8 cm)

Signatures

Signed bottom left: "J.J. Tissot"

Credit Line

Purchased by public subscription

Accession Number

00.159.314

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Artists and makers

James Tissot

524 works in the collection